King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 6:16 Mean?

Jeremiah 6:16 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”

Jeremiah 6:16 · KJV

Context

14

They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. hurt: Heb. bruise, or, breach

15

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

16

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

17

Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

18

Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them.

Read Jeremiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands His people to 'stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way.' This call to return to ancient covenant faithfulness contrasts with innovation and compromise. The promise 'ye shall find rest unto your souls' (echoed by Jesus in Matthew 11:29) offers peace through obedience. However, the people's response—'We will not walk therein'—demonstrates willful rebellion. Reformed theology values the 'old paths' of historic orthodoxy, recognizing that truth is not discovered but received from God's revelation. The refusal to walk in God's ways despite clear direction shows human autonomy asserting itself against divine authority.

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Historical & Cultural Context

During Josiah's reform (2 Kings 22-23), the rediscovered Book of the Law called Judah back to covenant faithfulness. However, after Josiah's death, the people quickly reverted to idolatry, rejecting the 'old paths.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the 'old paths' that contemporary Christianity needs to recover?
  2. How do we distinguish between legitimate development of doctrine and departure from biblical truth?
  3. Why does the human heart resist returning to tried and tested ways of faithfulness to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כֹּ֣ה1 of 22
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ2 of 22

“But they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֡ה3 of 22

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עִמְדוּ֩4 of 22

“Stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל5 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דֶ֤רֶךְ6 of 22

“way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וּרְא֜וּ7 of 22

“and see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְשַׁאֲל֣וּ׀8 of 22

“and ask”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

לִנְתִב֣וֹת9 of 22

“paths”

H5410

a (beaten) track

עוֹלָ֗ם10 of 22

“for the old”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

אֵי11 of 22
H335

where? hence how?

זֶ֨ה12 of 22
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

דֶ֤רֶךְ13 of 22

“way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַטּוֹב֙14 of 22

“where is the good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וּלְכוּ15 of 22
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בָ֔הּ16 of 22
H0
וּמִצְא֥וּ17 of 22

“therein and ye shall find”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

מַרְגּ֖וֹעַ18 of 22

“rest”

H4771

a resting place

לְנַפְשְׁכֶ֑ם19 of 22

“for your souls”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ20 of 22

“But they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֥א21 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נֵלֵֽךְ׃22 of 22
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 6:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 6:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 30:21Deuteronomy 32:7Jeremiah 18:15Matthew 11:28-29Jeremiah 7:23Colossians 2:6

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